Thanks to Voltes V, Daimos, Mazinger Z, Voltron, and Japan Video Topics that used to air on Channel 9, people have a more high tech perception of the Land of the Rising Sun.     

My friend who toured Japan last year on official business last year learned this for himself. He can’t stop raving about how techie the Japanese way of life has become even for matters we usually take for granted like the loo or eating out. He was so amazed by the technology in Japan that he is looking forward to going back soon just so he can enjoy the progress again.

Just a few years ago Japan’s lead in all things digital was easy to see. Almost every conceivable electronic device had a Made in Japan slapped on it. Japanese consumers could buy new domestic gadgets from companies like Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic, often a year or two before they hit the market in other countries.

But now things have changed. With gadgets increasingly coming out at the same time around the world, it’s no longer the hardware that makes something cool, but what you can do with it.

Mobile digital TV

Take OneSeg, Japan’s mobile digital TV system. The entire electronics industry, TV broadcasters and the government all agreed on a single broadcasting standard, eliminating the technical competition that’s holding back such services in the United States and Europe. The result is a popular service that features all the regular terrestrial channels at no cost.

Already, 14 million cell phones with the service have been sold, and the sight of people watching TV is becoming more common on trains and in cafes across Japan.

The latest phones also allow you to record TV shows. And if you’re in a public space but forgot to bring your headphones, it’s no problem. A couple of button presses brings up the subtitles so you can enjoy the show with the volume turned down.

Also, a companion data service provides information about the current show, promotions from the broadcaster and, often, a link to the TV station’s mobile Internet home page.

Mobile wallet service

Something else that’s popular in cell phones these days is the "Osaifu keitai," the mobile wallet service.

Phones have smart cards embedded inside, and these cards let you add applications like electronic money, your commuter pass, an airline mileage card, or a credit card just by downloading some software. What it means is that you can ditch your smart cards, because they will all be stored on your phone instead. Shopping for groceries, renting a video, buying a drink, or going to the theatre can all be done now with your mobile.

It can be done in various ways. For example, place your phone against a reader at a charging station and it will take your cash and credit your mobile in return. You can also load your mobile wallet by using the handset itself to go online and make a transfer directly from your credit card or even your bank. With your mobile cash in hand you can begin your retail therapy in earnest. To pay, you just put your mobile against the reader-writer and the goods are yours.

Connected cars

In Japan, car navigation systems have been a must-have accessory in automobiles for years. Streets in cities like Tokyo often don’t have names, so a navigation system can really save you time. But the latest systems, offered by some car companies, come with something extra.

Hook your navigation system to your cell phone, and you have a connection through which you can get the latest road and traffic data. The navigation system already knows where the nearest gas station is, but with the network link it can also tell you where the cheapest station is, thanks to daily updates on gas prices.

When you’re driving, the phone can connect you to an operator who will help you on your journey and even remotely reprogram your navigation system so that you never have to take your hands off the wheel.

(To be continued)